- 2009
2008 Pontiac Torrent
- Used Pontiac Torrent
Pontiac Torrent - What the Auto Press Says
The Torrent delivers a roomy interior, comfortable ride and great safety ratings, which makes it a solid option for family hauling. However, its driving dynamics aren't as refined as competitors, resulting in a ranking in the bottom half of both the affordable compact and crossover SUV classes.
Like its Chevrolet Equinox and Saturn VUE siblings, the 2008 Pontiac Torrent is a competent but unexciting option in its segment. Pluses are its exceptional roominess and comfortable ride, but critics find that the Torrent's driving performance doesn't live up to its sporty exterior. Motor Trend says, "For a vehicle meant to generate excitement, the Torrent accomplished the opposite among our judges, drawing criticism for its coarse V-6, unrefined automatic, sloppy handling, and numb steering, the last a result of more play at the helm than in the Queen Mary." The Torrent straddles the line between the compact and midsize SUV classes. While it costs a few thousand more than the smaller RAV4 and CR-V, it's a very low-priced option when compared to midsize competitors such as the Ford Edge and Honda Pilot. Most critics say it offers good value as a family SUV.
The Torrent's V6 engine may be hurting it in the current market. The Torrent has so far been a sales disappointment for Pontiac. Its fuel economy, in the bottom half of the small SUV class, may be a major reason why.
The Torrent comes with a standard 3.4-liter V6 engine and optional all-wheel drive. This year, the Pontiac has added a second trim, the GXP, with a more powerful engine and refined suspension system.
- "The Torrent is among the best of the current crop of compacts..." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- +"The test model, a front-wheel-drive GXP, retained what we like about the Torrent -- a comfortable interior, nice lines, a general feeling of being 'right-sized,' or big enough to handle most chores, and small enough to be nimble around town." -- Orlando Sentinel
- "Torrent is basically a nothing-fancy SUV for those who want car-like handling and cargo-toting convenience for something less than an arm and a leg." -- Sacramento Bee
Torrent Performance - 6.4 (Mediocre)
For family hauling, the Torrent is adequate enough. Just don't expect high performance dynamics or off-road capability. "Handling -- defined here as the ability to go around a corner quickly, gracefully -- is OK at lower speeds, but becomes suddenly cumbersome and unusually nose-heavy (even for a front-drive vehicle) with the addition of 1 or 2 mph," says USA Today. The same review later concludes, "Not what you expect from a sporty brand, as Pontiac is trying to become anew." Consequently, the Torrent's performance ranks in the bottom half of its class. Read More
Torrent Exterior - 7.0 (Good)
Looking remarkably similar to the VUE and Equinox, the Torrent's style is neither loved nor hated by critics and ranks in the bottom half of its class. New Car Test Drive observes, "Unlike most Pontiacs, Torrent's styling is restrained, clean and pleasing." Read More
Torrent Interior - 6.9 (Mediocre)
Roomy for a compact SUV, the Pontiac Torrent offers comfortable seating and good cargo capacity. The Car Connection notes, "We've been in and out of most of the compact SUV competition recently, and just in terms of interior design and cargo versatility, the Torrent ranks as one of the best in its class." Several test drivers, however, find that the front seats lack comfortable back support, contributing to an interior ranking in the bottom half of the class. Read More
Torrent Safety - 9.3 (Excellent)
The Pontiac Torrent receives an excellent safety score for its performance in both government and insurance industry crash tests. The Torrent's safety equipment includes electronic stability control and traction control. Read More
Torrent Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Pontiac Torrent reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The SUV comes with a basic warranty for three years or 36,000 miles. Read More
